Clinger repeats to lead American Fork boys back to 5A cross-country state title


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SUGARHOUSE — Casey Clinger already had a state cross-country title.

But when he turned around after winning his second-straight championship and saw teammate McKay Johns next behind him, he visibly smiled.

American Fork was back.

After falling to a disappointing third-place team finish last year, Clinger clocked a 14-minute, 42.9-second 5K to lead the Cavemen to the Class 5A boys cross-country state championship Wednesday at Sugarhouse Park.

“It was so great,” Clinger said. “It’s hard to describe; it’s been a really special year. My teammates are my best friends, and it’s been fun sharing this experience with them.”

Johnson finished second, a distant seven seconds behind Clinger — but 1.2 seconds ahead of Weber’s Talon Hull, who came in third in 14:50.9. Ryan Raff of Lehi finished in 14:52.6, followed by American Fork’s Patrick Parker in 15:00.9.

American Fork placed all five scoring runners in the top 25, including Clinger’s sophomore brother in 15:47.8 at No. 14, to finish with 42 points — 33 ahead of second-place Lone Peak.

“That was our plan, just to see how everyone felt,” Clinger said. “Everyone threw themselves at the end, so it was a good day.”

Davis finished third with 85 points, followed by Westlake (122) and Riverton (124).

“I’m proud of my two sophomore runners,” American Fork coach Timo Mostert said. “Carson has only been running since June of last year; he never ran in junior high. He played football. For him to be our fourth man has shown so much improvement. They gave everything to accomplish their goals they needed for us to win today.”

But for the Cavemen, the long journey back to the top of the team podium began with the three seniors in the top 5 in Clinger, Johns and Patrick Parker.

“To have three guys back from that team that raced at nationals was huge,” said Mostert, whose Cavemen placed second in the nation last year. “They’re team captains and great motivators for the younger boys. You can’t say enough about those top three; they are very motivated to drive each other and also pull each other.

“It’s a family, and they support each other and want everyone to do their best.”

In the 4A boys race, Timpanogos senior Joe Benson held off Springville challenger Grant Gardner to win the individual title in 15:03.3.

“I felt him really good. It was a slow race, and then it came down to a kick,” said Benson, who moved up from fourth place a year ago. “I felt him the whole time, so I just had to push hard.

“I make a few moves to make sure they know I am there, and then keep it but not do too little work.”

Benson took a lead with about 800 meters remaining, but the Red Devil sophomore pulled up down the stretch with a final kick that brought him within .9 seconds of an individual title.

“I put a surge on with about 200 (meters) left, and I think that took a little out of me,” Gardner said. “My legs just couldn’t go any faster. But I did my best.

“I raced him before, and he beat me by about that much on this course at the start of the season. He raced really well.”

Nate Osterstock placed eighth overall to lead Olympus to the 4A team title, followed by Timpanogos (74), Springville (80) and Ogden (89).

In Class 3A, Deseret Hills teammates Jaiden Melendrez and Spencer Ford finished first and second to lead the Thunder to a four-point victory over region rival Pine View.

In Class 2A, North Summit’s Jace Richins won the individual title in 16:13.2, and Millard claimed the team championship.

In Class 1A, Panguitch’s Jonah Schoppe won the individual title in 16:39.2, and the Bobcats placed six runners in the top 15 to roll to the team championship.

Full results are available on runnercard.com.

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